Public Funding of Judicial Elections: Financing Campaigns for Fair and Impartial Courts

Judicial Independence Series: This paper makes the case for public financing of judicial elections from several perspectives. First, it describes current circumstances and the need for change. Then, it describes public financing options for contested and retention elections. Finally, it makes the case that these options are constitutionally permissible and sound. This paper is an indispensable resource for anyone trying to understand, propose, support and defend a public financing system for judicial elections.